China's largest 3D printer can build a two-person boat

China's largest 3D printer can build a two-person boat

THE fascinating technology of 3D printing is starting to take hold in the UK but engineers overseas are already pushing the envelope to print bigger and better things.

Published 18th July 2014

PLASTIC FANTASTIC: This 2 metre long boat was 3D printed in one go by Chinese researchers [EUROPICS]

A Chinese company has created a 3D printed boat capable of seating two adults in the race to build ever larger 3D printers.

China looks to be at the forefront of this technology, with firms claiming that everything from 3D printed cars to houses are on the horizon — once the machines to make them are large enough.

Only last month it was reported that after three-and-a-half years of research the Chinese company Sanya Industrial Innovation Design Center in Sanya, China, had developed the largest 3D printer to date.

It also has the ability to print in multiple types of material at affordable costs, at high speeds and in full colour.

BIG INDUSTRY: Not only is the printer massive, it can print in a variety of materials and colours [EUROPICS]

“The printer, which weighs 15 tons, can print objects up to four metres in length with a height and breadth of around two metres”

The printer, which weighs 15 tons, can print objects up to four metres in length with a height and breadth of around two metres.

Now, the 3D boat shown in action in these photographs is one of the first objects to be turned out.

The developers are particularly proud about the fact that it was made with elements of materials in the form of pellets and ground up thermoplastics.

However, with the cost for the 3D printers at hundreds of thousands of pounds the boat, which apparently works perfectly well even when put through its paces, is unlikely to be something the average household will be able to get their hands on.

PRICE TO PRINT: The printer will go on sale next month for hundreds of thousands of pounds. Interested? [EUROPICS]